Images of China’s recently unveiled experimental aircraft signal a challenge to global competitors, according to Dmitry Stefanovich.
Recent online images of China’s new warplanes represent a direct challenge to a next-generation fighter arms race, Dmitry Stefanovich, a military researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations, told RT.
Social media posts from December 26th featured two previously unseen jets: a larger, diamond-shaped aircraft and a smaller, arrow-wing design. Despite Beijing’s silence, the images sparked international speculation, with some suggesting they are China’s first sixth-generation fighters.
“Currently, we’ve only seen two experimental aircraft variants,” Stefanovich stated. “One likely focuses on ground and potentially naval attacks, while the other prioritizes air superiority and airspace control.”
The footage “illustrates the progress of Chinese aircraft development” generally, rather than specifically showcasing sixth-generation capabilities, the expert explained, adding that ‘sixth generation’ is a “loosely defined term.” Therefore, definitive conclusions about the new planes’ capabilities are premature, he noted.
Stefanovich highlighted that Beijing will face competition from American next-generation fighter programs. “While no revolutionary advancements are imminent, China is clearly initiating a quality-based arms race,” he observed.
“However, it’s crucial to remember that the US possesses the most advanced program for a new strategic bomber – the B-21 – adaptable to some sixth-generation capabilities. Comparable Chinese and Russian aircraft are still in development,” Stefanovich added.